1. It's mother's day ! At the Buddhist class today, the kids learnt to create nice patterns of salt coloured with chalks poured into clear empty bottles. Lovely Mother's Day presents from my two boys. Complimented Dash and Bob with 'Wow! that's very nice. Mummy loves it so much. Thank you' and gave them a big bear hug each. So heart warming to see them grinning from ear to ear, happy that mummy loves their little gifts !
2. Managed to squeeze in some work today while waiting for the kids at the Buddhist class.
3. Dash suggested to create a "Mother's Day Collection" to which I heartily said : YES ! That's a very good idea, can you help mummy with that? So, he cleared a section of my room cupboard and put in all my Mother's Day gifts. So lovely. Another hug and kiss for Dash, who showed me his toothy grins ! Oh ... what a lovely day !
4. Had a great time at mom's place. Steamboat and BBQ was the day's menu. I contributed vegetables this round as I did not have the luxury of time to actually cook since I was out there with my kids at the Buddhist and swimming classes. Gave mom my love letter, nicely wrapped in pink. She has yet to open and read it by the time we left. Hope she loves it. My best present for her by far I think :-)
2. Managed to squeeze in some work today while waiting for the kids at the Buddhist class.
3. Dash suggested to create a "Mother's Day Collection" to which I heartily said : YES ! That's a very good idea, can you help mummy with that? So, he cleared a section of my room cupboard and put in all my Mother's Day gifts. So lovely. Another hug and kiss for Dash, who showed me his toothy grins ! Oh ... what a lovely day !
4. Had a great time at mom's place. Steamboat and BBQ was the day's menu. I contributed vegetables this round as I did not have the luxury of time to actually cook since I was out there with my kids at the Buddhist and swimming classes. Gave mom my love letter, nicely wrapped in pink. She has yet to open and read it by the time we left. Hope she loves it. My best present for her by far I think :-)
Dear Mama,
Today, while taking my shower after my morning swim, I was reflecting on my journey with you, a journey of 38 years. I really took a very long shower, walking down memory lane as best I could remember you, mama. Today, I have decided to write you a love letter.
You told me I was born abridged, my feet came out first and somehow I managed to squeeze out of your womb a healthy bouncy baby girl, wailing loud and clear ! Thank you mama, for bringing me into this world.
You were and still are our big big umbrella, an umbrella so big that you had all of us, all the 6 of us under your protection, even when we are grown ups now. You still care so much. I really admire your energy, mama, after all these years. Today, I want to hold your hand and walk down memory lane with me.
Those days in the village, before we moved to KL, were carefree days for me, I remember well. I would roam about the village and get myself dirty all over, playing with sand and mud, roughing it out with the village boys, getting into fights and all the tomboy stuff. You would scold me so hard but you also cleaned me up, powder me and change me. Those were the days ... you taught me how to wash the dishes, wash the cloths, sweep and mop the floor, boil water, clean vegetables, fry eggs and all stuff that girls were supposed to learn.
When papa said, girls do not need a high education, you taught me the A, B, C and 1, 2, 3. You would praise me for being a good copier. I knew you were so proud of me. I was able to write chinese characters, even the difficult ones. During the numerous drives we had together when papa bought his car, you would ask me to add up the numbers displayed on the various number plates all cars have. That was how I discovered maths in an interesting way. Thank you mama, for being the best teacher you knew how.
When you and papa moved to KL where papa started his wholesale fish business at the market now known as Central Market, you brought me along, leaving behind my 3 elder sisters. I am so blessed. Even though you were a stranger in KL back then, you braved yourself and got me to follow a friend you met to a non-Chinese school, I was terrified, for I do not understand a word the teachers and classmates were talking. Cantonese and English were so foreign to me. Somehow I learnt. Still remember those days in kindergarten when you would walk with me to and from kindergarten. When I asked you "Mama, today teacher said I am good. What does that mean?" and you just gave me a smile and explained to me, it means "serves you right"! I actually believed you !
I still remember your strict ways with us when I was a little girl. I was terrified every time you raise your voice, I would open my ears big big for your footsteps, the jingles you made when you walk, the anklet you had on your feet, kind of gave you away. I remember the numerous times I wet the bed, not on purpose, I just had a tough time controlling my bladder. I am so sorry I made you change the bedsheet everytime I did that. Well, luckily the bed then had a plastic cover, I guess it must be the genius in you. The many nights I slept in your bed, clinging to you, listening to the midnight ghost stories from the redifussion, frightened and yet enjoying the thrills of the eerie sounds. The days when all of us would rush to stand very near to the redifussion every time there is a special series on air, be it of love, of mysteries, of jokes... that was something I would remember for life. Life was so much simpler then.
Though we were poor back then, you always give us the best. You saved the occasional chicken drumsticks, for us, never for yourself. You made us hot pancakes for breakfast. Really miss your hot pancakes, mama. I was a sickly child, always coughing, I made you worried, you had to drag me to the doctors and when nothing seem to work, you relentlessly fed me with cod liver oil. I used to hate it so much. The smell was terrible, it stinks so much, I vomitted lots of time. You cleaned me up. I know I must have been a nuisance.
You would walk the miles to the wet market to buy vegetables, even when it's a heavy load, you would walk the miles back, not caring if your muscles ache and that your shoulders would slant to one side because you wanted to save on the bus fare. You would go the extra miles to save. You made papa give us monthly school allowances instead of daily pocket money. That really helped me plan my spending and get into the habit of saving money. Thank you mama, for teaching us to save for the rainy days. Until today, you are still collecting rain water whenever it rains, just so that we can recycle the rain water. You have taught me a great lesson, mama.
During my primary school days, I remember loathing to bring my tumbler to school. You gave me my baby milk bottle instead of the fancy ones all my classmates were having ! I really hated it so much and had to hide just to take a sip of water from that baby milk bottle ! One day, when my classmate discovered that I drank from a baby milk bottle, I was brutally laughed at, I wished I could dig a hole underground and hid there forever ! Now, I could laugh at myself thinking of those embarassing moments ! Thank you mama, for teaching me the value of making the best out of the little comfort we had ...
When times were better, when papa could afford all the great comforts in life, when papa bought our big new house, when papa got all his children a brand new car each, you never forget your roots. You still saved. You were and still are the family's saviour. The numerous times when papa's business got into financial crisis, you digged into your savings, your hard to come by savings! I salute you, mama... for being the generous you.
Those selfless acts ... you taught me the real meaning of siblinghood. I still remember those days when your sisters gave birth to their little babies. You were there for them. You became more than their confinement lady. You cooked special confinement food for your sisters. You bathed their little darlings. You love your sisters unconditionally. You became their real big sister, a mother to them even. You are their beloved big sister. I can see that. I can understand why you are so much respected by them, everyone of your brothers and sisters. I am so very proud of you, mama.
When I was a teenager, I must have worried you so much. I still remember the day when you throw a birthday party for me at our new home back then when I turned sweet 16. First came the disco lights, then all sorts of guys turned up, some in their rowdy motor bikes ! You pulled me to a side and said "I thought all your friends are girls. I thought I sent you to an all-girls' school. Where the hell did you get to know so many boys?" Ha ha ... those were my wild days, mama. Thank you so much for trusting me and for the freedom you gave me. Your beloved little daughter turned out alright, didn't I?
When I was in college and started serious dating, you were so worried about the kind of guy I was dating that you actually got me to bring him home to be my brother's room-mate ! Thank you mama, for giving me and the family the opportunity to see the real him, for giving me the freedom of choice to marry my first lover. You must be so hurt the day I announced my intention to divorce and I knew you felt really angry at my ex but I want you to know that I am happier now than ever. Thank you mama, for bringing me up as an independent woman, for respecting and blessing the choices I made in life.
When I was down with dengue in Tawakal, you were dead worried when I had to be admitted into Tawakal Hospital's ICU. You prayed and prayed. When the sinseh told you that I only have a 50:50 chance, you must have felt devastated. That day, I mentioned to you, I will not give up so easily, I am a fighter, I still had a lot more to look forward to in life, I want to get married and bear children... you smiled amidst your tears. Those moments made me realise the love of a great mommy for her sick child... Thank you mama, for taking good care of me.
That one year I stayed with you during my Hepatitis C treatment, you made me fresh fruit juices every morning and evening, you cooked special meals for me, you made sure I rest and relax, you made me so comfortable ... I felt so pampered and loved ! The days when I had to work late amidst my treatment, you nagged and nagged. I knew you meant well. Thank you mama, for reminding me to take very good care of myself. You must take very good care of yourself too, mama.
Today, reflecting on those sweet memories, I realised I am so blessed to have you as my mama. Given a choice, I would definitely choose you as my mama all over again.
Thank you mama, for all the love and care you gave me. I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH !!!!
Happy Mother's Day :-)
Your beloved daughter,Odelia
5. 4th aunt and family came over to the house to visit since they missed out on the housewarming party on 1st Feb. All gave compliments and the little darlings enjoyed themselves at the koi pond ...
6. Received a lovely email from yesterday's date and I courteously replied to thank him too.
Today, while taking my shower after my morning swim, I was reflecting on my journey with you, a journey of 38 years. I really took a very long shower, walking down memory lane as best I could remember you, mama. Today, I have decided to write you a love letter.
You told me I was born abridged, my feet came out first and somehow I managed to squeeze out of your womb a healthy bouncy baby girl, wailing loud and clear ! Thank you mama, for bringing me into this world.
You were and still are our big big umbrella, an umbrella so big that you had all of us, all the 6 of us under your protection, even when we are grown ups now. You still care so much. I really admire your energy, mama, after all these years. Today, I want to hold your hand and walk down memory lane with me.
Those days in the village, before we moved to KL, were carefree days for me, I remember well. I would roam about the village and get myself dirty all over, playing with sand and mud, roughing it out with the village boys, getting into fights and all the tomboy stuff. You would scold me so hard but you also cleaned me up, powder me and change me. Those were the days ... you taught me how to wash the dishes, wash the cloths, sweep and mop the floor, boil water, clean vegetables, fry eggs and all stuff that girls were supposed to learn.
When papa said, girls do not need a high education, you taught me the A, B, C and 1, 2, 3. You would praise me for being a good copier. I knew you were so proud of me. I was able to write chinese characters, even the difficult ones. During the numerous drives we had together when papa bought his car, you would ask me to add up the numbers displayed on the various number plates all cars have. That was how I discovered maths in an interesting way. Thank you mama, for being the best teacher you knew how.
When you and papa moved to KL where papa started his wholesale fish business at the market now known as Central Market, you brought me along, leaving behind my 3 elder sisters. I am so blessed. Even though you were a stranger in KL back then, you braved yourself and got me to follow a friend you met to a non-Chinese school, I was terrified, for I do not understand a word the teachers and classmates were talking. Cantonese and English were so foreign to me. Somehow I learnt. Still remember those days in kindergarten when you would walk with me to and from kindergarten. When I asked you "Mama, today teacher said I am good. What does that mean?" and you just gave me a smile and explained to me, it means "serves you right"! I actually believed you !
I still remember your strict ways with us when I was a little girl. I was terrified every time you raise your voice, I would open my ears big big for your footsteps, the jingles you made when you walk, the anklet you had on your feet, kind of gave you away. I remember the numerous times I wet the bed, not on purpose, I just had a tough time controlling my bladder. I am so sorry I made you change the bedsheet everytime I did that. Well, luckily the bed then had a plastic cover, I guess it must be the genius in you. The many nights I slept in your bed, clinging to you, listening to the midnight ghost stories from the redifussion, frightened and yet enjoying the thrills of the eerie sounds. The days when all of us would rush to stand very near to the redifussion every time there is a special series on air, be it of love, of mysteries, of jokes... that was something I would remember for life. Life was so much simpler then.
Though we were poor back then, you always give us the best. You saved the occasional chicken drumsticks, for us, never for yourself. You made us hot pancakes for breakfast. Really miss your hot pancakes, mama. I was a sickly child, always coughing, I made you worried, you had to drag me to the doctors and when nothing seem to work, you relentlessly fed me with cod liver oil. I used to hate it so much. The smell was terrible, it stinks so much, I vomitted lots of time. You cleaned me up. I know I must have been a nuisance.
You would walk the miles to the wet market to buy vegetables, even when it's a heavy load, you would walk the miles back, not caring if your muscles ache and that your shoulders would slant to one side because you wanted to save on the bus fare. You would go the extra miles to save. You made papa give us monthly school allowances instead of daily pocket money. That really helped me plan my spending and get into the habit of saving money. Thank you mama, for teaching us to save for the rainy days. Until today, you are still collecting rain water whenever it rains, just so that we can recycle the rain water. You have taught me a great lesson, mama.
During my primary school days, I remember loathing to bring my tumbler to school. You gave me my baby milk bottle instead of the fancy ones all my classmates were having ! I really hated it so much and had to hide just to take a sip of water from that baby milk bottle ! One day, when my classmate discovered that I drank from a baby milk bottle, I was brutally laughed at, I wished I could dig a hole underground and hid there forever ! Now, I could laugh at myself thinking of those embarassing moments ! Thank you mama, for teaching me the value of making the best out of the little comfort we had ...
When times were better, when papa could afford all the great comforts in life, when papa bought our big new house, when papa got all his children a brand new car each, you never forget your roots. You still saved. You were and still are the family's saviour. The numerous times when papa's business got into financial crisis, you digged into your savings, your hard to come by savings! I salute you, mama... for being the generous you.
Those selfless acts ... you taught me the real meaning of siblinghood. I still remember those days when your sisters gave birth to their little babies. You were there for them. You became more than their confinement lady. You cooked special confinement food for your sisters. You bathed their little darlings. You love your sisters unconditionally. You became their real big sister, a mother to them even. You are their beloved big sister. I can see that. I can understand why you are so much respected by them, everyone of your brothers and sisters. I am so very proud of you, mama.
When I was a teenager, I must have worried you so much. I still remember the day when you throw a birthday party for me at our new home back then when I turned sweet 16. First came the disco lights, then all sorts of guys turned up, some in their rowdy motor bikes ! You pulled me to a side and said "I thought all your friends are girls. I thought I sent you to an all-girls' school. Where the hell did you get to know so many boys?" Ha ha ... those were my wild days, mama. Thank you so much for trusting me and for the freedom you gave me. Your beloved little daughter turned out alright, didn't I?
When I was in college and started serious dating, you were so worried about the kind of guy I was dating that you actually got me to bring him home to be my brother's room-mate ! Thank you mama, for giving me and the family the opportunity to see the real him, for giving me the freedom of choice to marry my first lover. You must be so hurt the day I announced my intention to divorce and I knew you felt really angry at my ex but I want you to know that I am happier now than ever. Thank you mama, for bringing me up as an independent woman, for respecting and blessing the choices I made in life.
When I was down with dengue in Tawakal, you were dead worried when I had to be admitted into Tawakal Hospital's ICU. You prayed and prayed. When the sinseh told you that I only have a 50:50 chance, you must have felt devastated. That day, I mentioned to you, I will not give up so easily, I am a fighter, I still had a lot more to look forward to in life, I want to get married and bear children... you smiled amidst your tears. Those moments made me realise the love of a great mommy for her sick child... Thank you mama, for taking good care of me.
That one year I stayed with you during my Hepatitis C treatment, you made me fresh fruit juices every morning and evening, you cooked special meals for me, you made sure I rest and relax, you made me so comfortable ... I felt so pampered and loved ! The days when I had to work late amidst my treatment, you nagged and nagged. I knew you meant well. Thank you mama, for reminding me to take very good care of myself. You must take very good care of yourself too, mama.
Today, reflecting on those sweet memories, I realised I am so blessed to have you as my mama. Given a choice, I would definitely choose you as my mama all over again.
Thank you mama, for all the love and care you gave me. I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH !!!!
Happy Mother's Day :-)
Your beloved daughter,Odelia
5. 4th aunt and family came over to the house to visit since they missed out on the housewarming party on 1st Feb. All gave compliments and the little darlings enjoyed themselves at the koi pond ...
6. Received a lovely email from yesterday's date and I courteously replied to thank him too.
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